Page 5 of Best of Me

We chat back and forth for a few messages, and when all’s said and done, we agree on tomorrow afternoon for me to come see the house. I know it may be a little premature, but I head back to the B-and-B feeling optimistic—like maybe it’s meant to be.

chapter three

Mallory

I barely slept a wink last night, and I’ve been pacing—and chugging coffee—all day. I’m so excited to see this house. Which is kind of crazy, since the flyer didn’t even include a picture, just a brief description and a phone number. For all I know, it could be a rundown shack with holes in the floors. I keep trying to tell myself it’s just four walls, a roof, and a door—certainly nothing to be this worked up over, but the pinball in my belly is telling me it’stheone, and I’m a strong believer in gut feelings.

I’m five minutes away, according to my GPS, when my phone rings. “Hey, Ash.”

“Why didn’t you call me? Are you there yet?”

“Chill, girl. I’m not there yet.”

“Are you sure about this place? I mean, do you know anything about the person you’re meeting?” she asks, sounding so much like a mother—well, at least what I assume one would sound like. Lord knows mine never bothered with me.

“I’ve got that feeling. It’s gonna be good.”

“What if this is some catfish-Craigslist Killer kind of thing? What, you’re on the way to meet some buck-toothed, banjo-playing hillbilly who’s gonna kill you, wear your skin, eat your meat, and sell your organs on the dark web?”

A burst of laughter passes my lips as I turn onto the narrow street listed in the address—a heavily wooded private drive from the looks of it. “Babe. I think you’re mixing your murderers. Plus, my gut has never let me down.”

She huffs in frustration. “I mean it, Mally. You shouldn’t be going there alone.”

“And who do you suggest I ask to come with? Maybe I’ll just call up dear old dad?” My tone is pissy and I regret it instantly—she doesn’t deserve my anger when all she’s ever done is be there for me. “Crap. I’m sorry, Ash. I—that’s why we’re gonna video call, right?”

“Water under the bridge, girl. And yes. I may not be there in person, but I’m there in spirit…and in technology.”

“You’re ridiculo—oh my God!”

“What? What is it? Is there someone waiting for you with a chainsaw?”

I’d roll my eyes at her antics, but that would require me to look away from the most adorable little cottage I’ve ever seen. “No. What? No. I just pulled up to the house and it is, no lie, the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh! Swapping to video now!”

I accept her chat request, flipping my camera outward to show her my view. Together, we take in the crisp white paint job, small walnut-stained deck, and the deep blue front door of the miniature home’s exterior. “Okay, Mally. That is…” She trails off, but I know what she’s trying to say; it’s freaking perfect.

“Well, here goes nothing,” I murmur as I step out of my car and head toward the house. With my phone in my left hand, streaming, I knock with my right.

Footsteps sound from inside, followed by the front door swinging open to reveal a petite woman around my age. I’d find her beauty intimidating, if not for her kind, welcoming smile. She is practically the physical embodiment of sunshine—bouncy, soft, and kind—so much like Valorie it makes my heart clench in my chest.

“Hi! I’m Jenny,” she says softly, extending her hand my way.

“Mallory.” I grip her hand and shake it before awkwardly wiggling my phone in her face. “And this is my best friend.”

“Best friend and virtual house hunter! The name’s Ashley. It’s nice to meet you.”

Jenny’s smile ratchets up a notch as she glances from my phone screen and back to me. “Nice to meet…y’all. So, off the bat, the rent is seven-fifty a month, utilities included. There’s only one internet provider in the area, and they kind of suck, but…” She shrugs as if to saywhat can you do. “Wanna come in and take a look around?”

“Yes, please,” Ashley chirps before I can even open my mouth.

“This is the living room—duh—and straight back is the kitchen; the appliances are a little smaller than usual, but it is fully equipped.” She leads us to the back of the house, past a massive set of sliding glass doors that pretty much take up the entire left side of the house—which explains how the small space is so airy and light. “Up the stairs, you’ll find the loft-style bedroom and beneath them is the bathroom. Oh! And the stairs all open to provide extra storage.”

Ash is uncharacteristically quiet during the tour, but I can totally see myself living here. It almost seems too good to be true, so I have to ask, “What’s the catch?”

“There’s no catch, promise. I’ve lived here the past few years; truly, it’s a great little house.”

I’m still suspicious. “Then why are you moving out?”

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